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Fakultät Physik

Exploring nonlinear dynamics in periodically driven time crystal from synchronization to chaotic motion

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Recent publication in Nature Communications

In our recent publication: Exploring nonlinear dynamics in periodically driven time crystal from synchronization to chaotic motion” published in Nature Communication 16, 2936 (2025), we demonstrate an extraordinary range of nonlinear phenomena — synchronization, quasi-periodicity, and chaotic oscillations — in a single semiconductor system driven by continuous-wave laser light with modulated polarization. Depending on how quickly and deeply polarization was modulated, the system smoothly transitioned between different types of dynamics. These transitions revealed fascinating fractal structures known as "devil’s staircase."

This discovery opens a new window into understanding complex dynamical behaviors in condensed matter, providing a versatile experimental platform for exploring nonlinear physics.

The article is available at: doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-58400-6

© Alex Greilich ​/​ TU Dortmund

Figure: Simulation of a periodically driven electron-nuclear spin system with a rich bifurcation diagram uncovering the Farey tree sequence (1/2, 3/5, 2/3, …) and devil’s staircase structure. f0 is the natural system frequency, fm is the modulation frequency, and fexp are the observed frequencies.